What hell is the life of politics. Observe that cabinet table: each person is facing extremely difficult portfolios devoid of the tools to do what they know is needed.
The legacy they received was more disastrous than anticipated: they were bequeathed landmines, dishonest traps and enormous voids. Leaving the European Union is proving to be more financially damaging than foreseen, resulting in the loss of the exchequer £80bn annually.
They suffer from poor fortune: the Trump presidency coincided with their watch. What more unfortunate incident than a jail staff member freeing a refused asylum-seeker individual convicted of sexual crimes? Small boat arrivals feel incessant.
A poorly timed internal party vote at this moment was certain to give Keir Starmer a difficult time. The minimal electoral backing at the Welsh assembly special election might not even be their nadir.
They expect criticism, but they have feelings. Frequently, the Health Secretary dares say what everyone observes: that we're experiencing "deep disillusionment in this country at the moment" and "a growing sense of despair about whether anyone is capable of turning this country round".
Nevertheless, the current vitriolic state of public opinion is perplexing and alarming. The Prime Minister is the most unpopular prime minister ever. Actually?
He is a honorable, committed person of noble purposes, devoid of unwarranted superiority or ego. Measure this against the former Prime Minister, the short-lived PM, or the breezy presumption of the ex-Prime Minister, each achieving minimal to warrant arrogant assurance.
Yet, the public argues, Starmer is worse. In his leadership role, he demonstrates little charisma, according to critics: more significantly, he doesn't possess governing flexibility, creative thinking or sense of changing opinions.
Labour blundered regarding reductions to elderly citizens and those with disabilities, unbalanced by spending increases in other areas. Uncertain which voters to appeal to, the party has left good policies unheralded, including employment protections to sustainable development, urban development and employment assurances for young people.
Too many key consultants persist in thinking right-wing constituencies demands attention, when almost twice as many voters have shifted progressive since the election was won. Election expert John Curtice warns them to abandon courting Reform voters: they're lost.
The Prime Minister is failing; the evidence is clear when research shows no individual might recover from these unplumbed depths.
However, within the uncharted waters of significant fluctuation, history may be no guide. Starmer pulled Labour from a post-Jeremy Corbyn slough of despond that political analysts claimed couldn't be reversed in a single parliament.
Could another leader perform more effectively, or has society entered a virtually unmanageable, constantly dissatisfied electorate? All ruling parties may be rejected just as rapidly following election, regardless of electoral margin, except if it comes with immediate solutions offering substantial benefits for stricken public services and cash-strapped families.
Predictably, panic on the back benches will make talk of leadership change rife if May's elections go according to negative projections – or, various commentators argue, earlier.
Here's ministers' paradox: The government's best chance lies in despair. Accept they might be overwhelmed anyway, so utilize their significant numbers for four more years to follow their natural left-leaning values: implement substantial tax changes, increasing government income.
Prepare for opposition future elections, so take decisive action currently. Ignore survey results and voter research; enable the public to witness sincerity in their purpose. The sole method to restore some respect is to execute clearly what they believe most correct and reasonable.
The Finance Minister correctly describes Reform "the most significant danger" to national identity. As the opposition largely align with Reform, a political alliance of some kind threatens.
The party's obligation is to implement required actions to stop this development. Anticipate alliances, stay suitable for progressive partners when party affiliations is overshadowed by the essential limit against an electoral threat unseen in contemporary politics.
This represents a mission to drive out despair.